Search found 556 matches

by adave
Wed Mar 27, 2024 4:57 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: AVUV vs SCHG
Replies: 15
Views: 884

Re: AVUV vs SCHG

Which one is on sale?
by adave
Wed Mar 27, 2024 4:49 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: AVUV vs SCHG
Replies: 15
Views: 884

AVUV vs SCHG

For fun I looked up the PE ratios:

AVUV: 8
SCHG: 41.5

Crazy difference right now. Large cap growth is overcooked.
by adave
Tue Mar 26, 2024 7:54 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Never selling shares
Replies: 57
Views: 4094

Re: Never selling shares

Imagine if I had brought up JEPI
by adave
Tue Mar 26, 2024 6:45 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Never selling shares
Replies: 57
Views: 4094

Re: Never selling shares

Being a Boglehead is great and it is a very rational approach. But my Dad never owned index funds, just individual stocks, and never owned international and things turned out well imo. I think there are many different feasible approaches to get to financial goals.
by adave
Tue Mar 26, 2024 6:39 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Never selling shares
Replies: 57
Views: 4094

Re: Never selling shares

He is not a Boglehead but seems to have engineered a good retirement. Even today, he enjoys generating income selling covered calls. He is more of an individual stock investor. In any case, the Boglehead approach is certainly one approach, but there are other things to think about as well. For example, Bogleheads don't seem to discuss step-up basis much which is a huge deal imo.
by adave
Tue Mar 26, 2024 6:00 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Never selling shares
Replies: 57
Views: 4094

Re: Never selling shares

It seems to me Boglehead retirees like to enjoy life!
by adave
Tue Mar 26, 2024 5:38 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Never selling shares
Replies: 57
Views: 4094

Re: Never selling shares

I agree that dividends are not free money. They are more like a forced sale. But in that case, since it is forced, why not used that stream of money to finance retirement and not sell any shares? I like his logic, to be honest. Step up basis is also a huge deal when you are talking about substantial share counts and leaving a legacy. He has already committed to paying for his grandkids education via funding generous 529s for them.

Him and my Mom do have some "immigrant" mindset features and they immigrated here in 1965 with very little. So they live comfortably and nearby but not really extravagant.
by adave
Tue Mar 26, 2024 5:20 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Never selling shares
Replies: 57
Views: 4094

Re: Never selling shares

I understand dividend irrelevance as well why people like to avoid dividend ETFs in taxable etc (even though it is QDI). However, that begs the question, is max consumption in retirement the goal? My parents seem quite content with their level of lifestyle. Interestingly, he told me he overestimated their expenses in retirement, and that expenses drop a lot once kids are off the payroll and you get older.
by adave
Tue Mar 26, 2024 5:00 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Never selling shares
Replies: 57
Views: 4094

Never selling shares

My father is 83 yo retired engineer who has been into the market for as long as I can remember. Since I was a child I can recall him watching the market on TV and calling brokerages to place orders etc. I vividly remember him getting carried away with a couple stocks during the tech bubble (Lucent technology, anyone?) when I was just out of college. He told me yesterday that he has never sold a share of stock since retirement and funds his and my Moms lifestyle with SS income and dividends from a taxable account. He has small RMDs which is just reinvests. House paid off long ago. Decent but not extravagant lifestyle for their age. As he has never sold any shares, my and my sister will likely inherit them and get step up basis. Most people u...
by adave
Mon Mar 25, 2024 7:58 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: QQQ Question
Replies: 49
Views: 2858

Re: QQQ Question

I own some but can't say I love it.

As mentioned, QQQ is an "index" based on what trades on an exchange. I believe they exclude financial companies also. It would be like using an ETF that tracks an "index" of companies that trade on the AMEX or NYSE.

For tech tilt consider XLK or VGT. Also, large cap growth is an option, SCHG.

These are all very low cost ETFs, QQQM is actual 3x the cost of these.
by adave
Sun Mar 24, 2024 9:53 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 10% cash position excessive?
Replies: 27
Views: 2686

Re: 10% cash position excessive?

A friend of mine suggested diversifying into small cap value. Problem is, I am not sure I believe in the small cap premium nor do I like the idea of waiting for decades for it to potentially show up. International is an option but I am also not convinced international is needed and we all know about the 15 years of underperformance.

Bonds seem to be the only thing that makes sense if I wish to sell down my tech/growth heavy positions.
by adave
Sun Mar 24, 2024 7:41 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 10% cash position excessive?
Replies: 27
Views: 2686

Re: 10% cash position excessive?

Right now with two kids, education expenses are high. But eventually, that will roll off and I would anticipate lower spend as we get older, although health issues could disrupt things.

I agree with diversifying but gains are so large it would be a big tax bill. Only QQQM position is in an IRA and honestly I just leave it there set to DRIP and I never touch it.

One option is to simply taking the tax hit (LTCG) with the growth ETF and open a large muni bond position.
by adave
Sun Mar 24, 2024 6:35 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 10% cash position excessive?
Replies: 27
Views: 2686

Re: 10% cash position excessive?

Yes it has a great name.

My job is pretty stable and in fact offers part time WFH options. So part of me wants to semi-retire first at 60 or 62. Do enough work to qualify for health insurance.
by adave
Sun Mar 24, 2024 6:18 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 10% cash position excessive?
Replies: 27
Views: 2686

Re: 10% cash position excessive?

I’m looking to retire in 15 years (62). There are combo of retirement accounts and taxable. 10% in SNAXX at 5.3-5.4% My portfolio if 50% VTI the rest in XLK, QQQM and SCHG. Returns have been great. I don’t want to get into numbers but portfolio is currently high 7 digit and house paid off.
by adave
Sun Mar 24, 2024 6:02 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 10% cash position excessive?
Replies: 27
Views: 2686

10% cash position excessive?

I’m sitting on a 10% cash position, would this be considered excessive? Rest of my portfolio fairly risky with heavy tech exposure.
by adave
Fri Mar 22, 2024 10:14 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Dangers of excessive optimism?
Replies: 86
Views: 6677

Re: Dangers of excessive optimism?

I read somewhere else that it is better to have a plan that might be slightly suboptimal but one you can stick to, rather than optimal but you can't stick due it went the seas get rough.

I agree with this idea also. Sure, cash drag is real and can be quantified when looking at my portfolio returns but it is seemingly quite small relative to the damage that is possible from one behavioral mistake I could potentially make during stormy times in the market.

The only time I felt "bad" holding cash was during ZIRP, which lasted way too long imo and really punished anyone holding cash reserves.
by adave
Fri Mar 22, 2024 9:00 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Dangers of excessive optimism?
Replies: 86
Views: 6677

Re: Dangers of excessive optimism?

Buffett said something like hold enough cash to help you sleep well at night and let the rest ride it out in stocks. That is basically my approach and so far so good.
by adave
Fri Mar 22, 2024 12:35 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Cash accumulator pathology
Replies: 24
Views: 2484

Re: Cash accumulator pathology

I also have a habit of collecting cash, especially now when rates a good. There are worse habits out there.
by adave
Thu Mar 14, 2024 7:58 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 2.9% CC and 0.25 ACH fees
Replies: 14
Views: 1510

2.9% CC and 0.25 ACH fees

My daughter's soon to be (expensive) private school charges transaction fees of 2.89% on CC and 0.25% for e-check/ACH.

Which is preferably using a CC with decent reward ecosystem like Chase Sapphire?

I am thinking CC since Chase Sapphire point transfer to Hyatt has pretty good value. Plus, it is easier to keep track/budget for CC charges.

Opinions?
by adave
Thu Mar 14, 2024 7:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Active Schwab Users
Replies: 8
Views: 1065

Re: Active Schwab Users

Just use tax loss optimizer function. it does what you want automatically.
by adave
Wed Mar 13, 2024 7:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Given Haiti Situation, is Dominican Republic safe?
Replies: 49
Views: 32661

Re: Given Haiti Situation, is Dominican Republic safe?

This situation would cause me a lot stress.
by adave
Thu Mar 07, 2024 4:21 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: FAANG, MAMAA now AI and GLP-1
Replies: 12
Views: 1410

Re: FAANG, MAMAA now AI and GLP-1

I’m a doctor and people underestimate the next ten years we will cure diabetes and dialysis will rarely be needed. We will make huge strides in fighting cancer and it will become a chronic illness. Cure for sickle cell and cystic fibrosis. I believe we will also cure all aunt-immune diseases.

Wait until AI gets involved like AlphaFold .

People really underestimate what genomics has unlocked.
by adave
Thu Mar 07, 2024 2:56 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: FAANG, MAMAA now AI and GLP-1
Replies: 12
Views: 1410

Re: FAANG, MAMAA now AI and GLP-1

Currently an injection but when an oral pill is widely available there will be a ton of people on it, similar to statins, beta blockers, ace inhibitors.

It is a huge leap forward imo and will decrease the rate of far worse medical conditions such a kidney failure.

Some people on it also describe less compulsive or addictive behavior. Meaning someone who is a compulsive drinker or gambler will lose the desire to do those activities.

There are side effects of course but the overall benefit to society could be immense and multi-faceted.
by adave
Thu Mar 07, 2024 2:55 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: FAANG, MAMAA now AI and GLP-1
Replies: 12
Views: 1410

Re: FAANG, MAMAA now AI and GLP-1

double post, sorry
by adave
Tue Mar 05, 2024 4:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: When to switch from dealer to independent for service
Replies: 52
Views: 4331

Re: When to switch from dealer to independent for service

I use the dealer for my BMW, Lexus and Porsche.

Cheaper shops for my Honda and Toyota

Why spend 100k on a car and cheap out on the service?

My cars last a long time
by adave
Tue Mar 05, 2024 4:23 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard: Reasons for caution about U.S. equity valuations
Replies: 19
Views: 2888

Re: Vanguard: Reasons for caution about U.S. equity valuations

MTUM? What do you like about it? Trying to learn
by adave
Wed Feb 28, 2024 1:54 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Trillion Dollar equation [Black-Scholes/Merton equation]
Replies: 13
Views: 2367

Re: Trillion Dollar equation

I posted this in the "Theory, news and general" section of the website because I felt it is a great video for those interested in the math behind finance.

This is not the personal finance actionable section.
by adave
Wed Feb 28, 2024 1:22 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Trillion Dollar equation [Black-Scholes/Merton equation]
Replies: 13
Views: 2367

Trillion Dollar equation [Black-Scholes/Merton equation]

Didn't see this video posted on here yet - really enjoyable and interesting imo.
The Trillion Dollar Equation - YouTube

[Link formatted by admin LadyGeek]
by adave
Mon Feb 26, 2024 6:50 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Just for fun, what single stock do you think will see huge growth
Replies: 174
Views: 27738

Re: Just for fun, what single stock do you think will see huge growth

Lawrence of Suburbia wrote: Mon Feb 26, 2024 4:38 pm Wonder if Nvidia still has a chance to 10x from here ...
20 Trillion market cap sounds nuts
by adave
Sun Feb 25, 2024 5:22 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Taxable account income
Replies: 5
Views: 931

Re: Taxable account income

livesoft wrote: Sun Feb 25, 2024 4:50 pm In another thread @adave writes:
adave wrote:I get just over $100k a year in income from my taxable account, 92% of that is QDI.
I am going to say that a lot of people don't make that kind of income in their taxable account because their taxable account is no where near as large as yours is. You are über wealthy, so you have the luxury of spending your taxable income with no worries.
Def not über wealthy, many much higher portfolios on Bogleheads. Taxable is much larger than my retirement accounts in my case.
by adave
Sun Feb 25, 2024 4:11 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Dividend Question - Pls help me understand for taxable
Replies: 27
Views: 1537

Re: Dividend Question - Pls help me understand for taxable

I get just over $100k a year in income from my taxable account, 92% of that is QDI.

I love it, the more the better LOL.

I only DRIP in my 401k/IRA. Taxable can help fuel a good lifestyle.
by adave
Sun Feb 25, 2024 3:58 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Dividend Question - Pls help me understand for taxable
Replies: 27
Views: 1537

Re: Dividend Question - Pls help me understand for taxable

Exactly, this is the only situation where people are trying to minimize how much money they make.

I take the dividends and use them if I want otherwise invest like I would any other income.
by adave
Sun Feb 25, 2024 3:45 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Taxable account income
Replies: 5
Views: 931

Taxable account income

How do you all view taxable account income? Some people seem to argue that you should try to minimize it for tax purposes. This is kinda crazy imo, I view it as just additional income, to spend if I want. I view it as a lifestyle enhancer. It Is completely passive income also taxed favorable if QDI. In my 401k,IRA etc I set to DRIP on VTI etc but in taxable the money is taxed regardless, so I consider spending it to get a nice item I want or to take epic vacations while still youngish (late 40s).
by adave
Wed Feb 21, 2024 8:41 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What does Schwab do better than Fidelity?
Replies: 305
Views: 50275

Re: What does Schwab do better than Fidelity?

I use Zelle all the time and have been for years with no issues. Schwab Bank offering Zelle is a major reason I use them over Fidelity.
by adave
Mon Feb 19, 2024 3:18 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Who is buying bonds?
Replies: 69
Views: 8957

Re: Who is buying bonds?

Real rates are really attractive right now.

My cash allocation pays me $2k a month extra just to sit there safe.

3% inflation is quite tolerable when real rates are postive.

I would deploy cash if there were good opportunities but everything looks fully valued. Even real estate prices in my area are holding up.
by adave
Mon Feb 19, 2024 3:03 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Who is buying bonds?
Replies: 69
Views: 8957

Re: Who is buying bonds?

What is the compelling case for bonds when MMF is above 5%.

Rates staying high for a long time. ZIRP was not normal.
by adave
Fri Feb 16, 2024 6:30 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Consolidating Investment Accounts
Replies: 16
Views: 2675

Re: Consolidating Investment Accounts

I have consolidated at Schwab and am happy with the decision. I get a total financial picture daily and easily manage money.
by adave
Thu Feb 15, 2024 11:22 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Christine Benz
Replies: 24
Views: 5035

Re: Christine Benz

Battle of the bulge? Wow unbelievable
by adave
Thu Feb 15, 2024 12:46 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Best Money Market Fund right now
Replies: 25
Views: 4788

Re: Best Money Market Fund right now

SNAXX at Schwab. You can drop the balance as low as you like after you open the position with $1M.
by adave
Wed Feb 14, 2024 3:53 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: unloading GOOG and Amazon
Replies: 9
Views: 1185

Re: unloading GOOG and Amazon

I would sell all at LTCG rate and put in VTI.
by adave
Mon Feb 12, 2024 3:13 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Just for fun, what single stock do you think will see huge growth
Replies: 174
Views: 27738

Re: Just for fun, what single stock do you think will see huge growth

Tech ETF is good enough.

I have held and added to XLK since 2018. Up 140% since and going strong. You don’t need to pick individual names to compounds money nicely in tech
by adave
Mon Feb 12, 2024 2:49 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Who is buying bonds?
Replies: 69
Views: 8957

Re: Who is buying bonds?

The issue is I make good W2 income (physician) and as of today am in decent health and relatively young (47 yo).

We live a nice lifestyle but below our means and are debt free for the last 10 years.

Thus, w2 income with bonus easily covers living expenses. Thus when I invest I am after long term capital gains. Income is not needed from bonds and are tax inefficient.
by adave
Sun Feb 11, 2024 4:52 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Who is buying bonds?
Replies: 69
Views: 8957

Re: Who is buying bonds?

Rates have likely peaked however for this cycle. BND on sale.

If I were ever to consider bonds now would be a good time.

Staying 95% equity when managing a large portfolio might be unnecessary risk. But 90% equity is no joke as well.
by adave
Sun Feb 11, 2024 4:42 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Who is buying bonds?
Replies: 69
Views: 8957

Who is buying bonds?

Currently 95% equity and 5% cash in MMF. Thinking about switching to 90% Equity and 10% BND, minimal cash.

Take a few chips off the table. BND provides some income also. BND seems out of favor but looks respectable to me.

I'm no expert however.
by adave
Sun Feb 11, 2024 3:51 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: SCV tilt research data
Replies: 63
Views: 4882

Re: SCV tilt research data

Is factor investing really worth the squeeze? It could be decades before any expected return premium shows up if at all. Total market approach just seems more sensible IMO.
by adave
Sun Feb 11, 2024 2:58 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Bull market.... yes, but...
Replies: 19
Views: 3681

Bull market.... yes, but...

I am struggling to understand why people are doubting this bull market and so concerned that it could be "overvalued".

I went back using Schwab portfolio performance feature (which has improved a great deal recently) - a start date of Jan 1st 2022 until today yields a pretty small return both cumulative and annualized.

People seem to forget how ugly 2022 was, and considering inflation, why is this market considered "high"?
by adave
Fri Oct 06, 2023 2:06 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Long Treasuries down 55%. Time to bottom fish?
Replies: 416
Views: 52423

Re: Long Treasuries down 55%. Time to bottom fish?

I think it depends on what the goal of the fixed income allocation is.

Most people on this forum seem to want stability of principle rather than any chance at appreciation of the product.

In such a case, clearly hiding at the short end of the curve is the place to be.

Taking losses of principle of BND or any similar bond fund products it just difficult for many investors to swallow, given how they are considered as "safe" products.

As with most investing, there is a significant psychological component.
by adave
Fri Oct 06, 2023 1:57 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Long Treasuries down 55%. Time to bottom fish?
Replies: 416
Views: 52423

Re: Long Treasuries down 55%. Time to bottom fish?

It has been quite an education to see the poor returns of BND and other similar products during this cycle.

This has led me to attempt to learn more about bonds and bond funds and better understand the important of duration.

BND has always been a go to one-stop shop solutions for passive Boglehead type investors such that I have never given it much thought or analysis.

In any event, I am hanging out on the short end of the curve for now with my fixed income allocation (~15% of my AA).
by adave
Tue Oct 03, 2023 4:21 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: we may be close to a bottom
Replies: 36
Views: 4187

Re: we may be close to a bottom

s&P 500 is up for the year
by adave
Fri Sep 22, 2023 3:32 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why wouldn't you at least temporarily choose a high interest account over a total bond fund?
Replies: 27
Views: 3126

Re: Why wouldn't you at least temporarily choose a high interest account over a total bond fund?

Is this discussion implying selling bonds to go into cash or new money?

I see no issue in holding new money in cash/MMF fund right now rather than putting it into BND right now.